Multifunctional information processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional information processing apparatus includes a selection unit consisting of a CRT display and a touch panel, for selecting a desired function of a plurality of executable functions, a plurality of function programs for executing different functions, respectively, a memory for storing data formed upon execution of the function program selected by the selecting unit so as to allow subsequent use of the data by other function programs, and a CPU for causing another function program selected by the selecting unit to utilize the data stored in the memory.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/127,479filed on Sep. 28, 1994, which is a continuation of prior applicationSer. No. 07/834,984 filed on Feb. 14, 1992, which is a continuation ofprior application Ser. No. 07/269,733 filed on Nov. 10, 1988 all are nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multifunctional informationprocessing apparatus which can be used as, e.g., a telephone set and afacsimile machine as well as a wordprocessor or a desk-top electroniccomputer or calculator.

(b) Related Background Art

A desk-top facsimile machine having a telephone set and a facsimile unitintegrally arranged therewith is commercially available. In addition,available are programs such as wordprocessor software for performingdocument processing using a commercially available personal computer andthe like and a communication program for performing communicationthrough a public communication network by connecting a modem to apersonal computer. By using the above programs, data communications anddocument processing are performed using a personal computer.

However, there is no conventional single apparatus which realizes allfunctions, i.e., functions of a telephone set, a desk-top electroniccalculator, a facsimile machine, and a document processing apparatus.For example, in a conventional personal computer, application programsmust be loaded from a floppy disk or a hard disk, resulting incumbersome operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctionalinformation processing apparatus as a single unit which can be used as atelephone set, a facsimile machine, a document processing apparatus, andthe like and which can easily change its function.

It is another object of the present invention to provide amultifunctional information processing apparatus wherein data formed byusing a given function can be utilized for another function such thatimage data read by an image reader used in a facsimile function can beutilized for a document processing function or music information formedby a music function can be used for a telephone set holding tone ormorning call music, thereby further improving operability.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide amultifunctional information processing apparatus having good operabilitywherein when a function having a higher priority than a given function,e.g., telephone reception or facsimile reception, is requested, thefunction having the higher priority is effected, and processing prior tothis is automatically restored, thereby reducing an operator's load withrespect to program changes and data storage operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic arrangement of amultifunctional information processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a memory map of the information processing apparatus of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the information processing apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functions of theinformation processing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic flow charts of a manager program;

FIGS. 6A to 6D are schematic flow charts of a tool box function;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of an environment set-up function;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart of a message board function;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining a method of setting a name of anaddressee (receiver or sendee) in the message board function;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining a method of setting a name of anaddresser (sender) in the message board function;

FIGS. 11A to 11C are schematic flow charts of a telephone function;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic flow charts of environment set-upprocessing in the telephone function;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic flow charts of a facsimile transmissionfunction;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic flow charts for explaining an expansionfunction operation in the facsimile transmission function; FIG. 15 is aschematic flow chart for member selection of the expansion function inthe facsimile transmission function;

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow chart of pre-set time transmission of theexpansion function in the facsimile transmission function;

FIG. 17 is a schematic flow chart of a polling transmission function ofthe expansion function in the facsimile transmission function;

FIG. 18 is a schematic flow chart of a facsimile reception function;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic flow charts of a wordprocessor function;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic flow charts of an editing function thewordprocessor function;

FIG. 21 is a schematic flow chart for an operation for forming a tableand a picture in the wordprocessor function;

FIGS. 22A to 22C are schematic flow charts of table formation processingin the wordprocessor function;

FIG. 23 is a schematic flow chart of picture drawing processing in thewordprocessor function;

FIGS. 24A to 24C are schematic flow charts of a format and a printingfunction in the wordprocessor function;

FIG. 25 is schematic flow chart of a cleaning function of a touch panel;

FIG. 26 is a schematic flow chart of a program control function;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are schematic flow charts of a sheet control function;

FIGS. 28A to 28D are schematic flow charts of a music editor function;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are schematic flow charts of alarm function set-upprocessing;

FIG. 30 is a schematic flow chart of tone generating processing of analarm function;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart of processing wherein priorities are taken intoconsiderations when a plurality of functions simultaneously set;

FIGS. 32A to 32D are schematic flow charts of a user dictionaryfunction;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are schematic flow charts for a morning call set-upfunction;

FIG. 34 is a schematic flow chart showing an operation of a morningcall;

FIG. 35 is a schematic flow chart of a telephone directory function;

FIGS. 36A to 36C are schematic flow charts of a function switch functionand a tool box function in the telephone directory function;

FIGS. 37A to 37C are schematic flow charts of an image editor function;

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a schematic arrangement of a mainpart of an apparatus having a tape recorder function;

FIG. 39 is a view showing the positional relationship between a holderand the respective functional blocks;

FIGS. 40A and 40B are schematic flow charts of the tape recorderfunction;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart of cassette tape loading processing;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart of rotation display processing of a reel shaftof a cassette;

FIGS. 43 to 45 are views showing front views of the tape recorderdisplay states;

FIGS. 46A and 46B are schematic flow charts of an automatic answeringtelephone set-up function;

FIG. 47 is a schematic flow chart showing a recording function of amessage board message in the automatic answering telephone function;

FIGS. 48A and 48B are schematic flow charts for explaining a PB receiveoperation in the automatic answering telephone; and

FIG. 49 is a chart showing correspondence of data in each mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(General Description of Apparatus (FIG. 1))

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic arrangement of amultifunctional information processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

A controller 1 controls the overall operation of the apparatus andcomprises a CPU (e.g., a microprocessor) and various I/O ports. Thecontroller 1 outputs various control signals and data signals to therespective components and receives control signals and data signalstherefrom to perform the overall control operation. A CRT 2 is connectedto the controller 1 and displays various menu items, documentinformation, and image information read by an image reader 7. A touchpanel 3 is connected to the controller 1 and comprises a transparentpressure-sensitive touch panel arranged on the CRT 2. An item orcoordinates can be input on the CRT 2 upon depression of its surfacewith a finger or the like.

An FM (Frequency Modulation) sound source 4 is also connected to thecontroller 1. Music information generated by a music editor or the likeis stored in a memory 10 or an external memory 12 in the form of digitaldata. The digital data is read out from the memory 10 or the externalmemory 12 and is FM-modulated by the FM sound source 4. An electricalsignal from the FM sound source 4 is converted into an audible tone by aspeaker 5. A printer 6 includes a serial thermal transfer printer and athermal line printer for printing facsimile information and the like onheat-sensitive paper.

The image reader 7 photoelectrically reads original data and is arrangedmidway along a path of recording paper of the thermal transfer printer.The image reader 7 reads images of a facsimile original and varioustypes of original. A FAX transmission and reception unit 8 performs FAXtransmission of original data read by the image reader 7 and FAXreception of a facsimile signal. A telephone set 9 has various telephonefunctions such as a normal telephone function and an automatic answeringtelephone function.

The memory 10 includes a ROM for storing a system program, a managerprogram, and other application programs as well as character fonts and adictionary, and a RAM for storing application programs externally loadedfrom the external memory 12 and document information. A memory map ofthis memory 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. A keyboard 11 is used to inputdocument information and various commands. A joystick for designating aposition on the screen of the CRT 2 is mounted on the keyboard 11. Theexternal memory 12 such as a microfloppy disk or a hard disk storesdocument information, music or speech information, and user applicationprograms.

(Description of Memory Map (FIG. 2))

FIG. 2 is a memory map of the memory 10 in the information processingapparatus.

The memory map includes programs and data which are represented byreference numeral 200 and stored in the ROM of the memory 10. Theseprograms and data include a system program including an operating system(OS) program, and a manager program for controlling task management ofeach program. The ROM also stores an environment set-up program forsetting a printing density of a printer and a volume level of a speakersound, a message board program for signalling messages of various piecesof information to a user, a telephone program for effecting a telephonefunction, a facsimile program for effecting a facsimile function, awordprocessor program, and a touch panel cleaning program.

The ROM also stores a kana-kanji conversion dictionary and characterfonts for character pattern information.

The RAM of the memory 10 has a data structure 201 immediately aftersystem initialization. The data structure 201 includes a data area(working area) 202 used by the programs stored in the ROM, an area 203for storing programs loaded from the external memory 12 such as a disk,and a video RAM area 204 for storing data to be displayed on the CRT 2.A plurality of video RAM frames are prepared in the video RAM area 204so as to display a plurality of windows.

A RAM state 205 is obtained when a music editor program or an alarmfunction program is loaded in the RAM from the external memory 12 suchas a disk. These programs are stored in an empty area 203 in the datastructure 201. The data area of these programs is set in the datastructure 201.

(Description of Outer Appearance of Apparatus (FIG. 3))

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of theinformation processing apparatus. A CRT screen 301 displays varioustypes of menu, graphic information, and document information. A touchpanel 3 is formed on the CRT screen 301. Coordinates or an item can beinput upon depression of the surface of the touch panel 3 with a fingeror the like. A handset 302 is used when the apparatus is used as atelephone set. The keyboard 11 is detachably connected to the main unitthrough a cord and is used to input various types of documentinformation and various types of data. A joystick 11a for inputtingcoordinate data and various function keys 11b are arranged in thekeyboard 11. The apparatus also has a microfloppy insertion port 303.

A sheet table 305 supports recording sheets 304 printed at a thermaltransfer printer and an original 304 read by the image reader 7. Thescanned original and the printed sheet are delivered from the upperportion of the apparatus. In facsimile reception or the like,heat-sensitive paper recorded at the thermal line printer is deliveredbackward from the sheet table 305 located at the lower rear portion ofthe apparatus.

(Description of Program System (FIG. 4))

FIG. 4 shows a relationship between a control program (to be referred toas a manager hereinafter) for controlling the respective programs in theapparatus of this embodiment and other function programs.

The manager is a task management program for executing a plurality ofillustrated function programs (tasks) and switching between theexecution programs.

The operations of the function programs will be described with referenceto the operation of the manager.

(Description of Manager (FIG. 5))

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the manager.

In step S501, a power ON/OFF state of the apparatus is detected. If thepower switch is turned off, the flow advances to step S502. Data priorto the power OFF state is preserved in the external memory 12. If NO instep S501, the flow advances to step 503. A main menu item displayed onthe CRT 2 and a touch by a user on the touch panel 3 is detected. If onefunction of the menu is designated by the main menu, the flow advancesto step S504, and a program of the function designated by the user isstarted.

The manager determines in step S505 whether an incoming call isreceived. If YES in step 505, the flow advances to step S506, and atelephone function is started up. Similarly, the manager determines instep S507 whether a reception of a facsimile signal is detected. If YESin step S507, a facsimile reception operation is started in step S508,and facsimile reception is performed. The manager determines in stepS509 whether the pre-set time has elapsed. If a time is preset and alapse of the pre-set time is detected, the flow advances to step S510. Areserved function program to be started upon a lapse of the pre-set timeis started. The pre-set functions are exemplified by timer facsimiletransmission, a morning call, and an alarm.

The manager determines in step S511 whether the handset 302 of thetelephone set is set in the off-hook state. If YES in step S511, thetelephone function program is started in step S512. At the time ofstarting of operations in steps S506, S508, S510, and S512, theaddresses and various data of the presently executed program aretemporarily saved, and this program is restored at the end of thereception processing function (including an outgoing call andtransmission).

The manager determines in step S513 whether a key input from thekeyboard 11 is detected. If YES in step S513, an input key code istransferred to the operating function. If the user touches a portion ofthe touch panel 3 other than the menu (step S515), touch positioncoordinates on the touch panel are provided for the function inoperation in step S516.

As described above, the manager detects an event and causes thecorresponding function (program) to start up. The next event is searchedimmediately after start of a given function, and the searched functioncan be effected independently of the operating function. Therefore, ifan incoming call is made during a wordprocessor operation and thehandset is set in the off-hook state, the display can be immediatelychanged into a telephone display, and the telephone function can beeffected.

(Description of Tool Box Function (FIG. 6))

FIGS. 6A to 6D are flow charts for explaining a tool box function. Thetool box function is effected during execution of each function. Forexample, a "help" message (operation instruction) of a present operatingfunction is performed. Data or the like formed by a given function canbe cut and pasted, and the cut and pasted data can be used in anotherfunction.

When a tool box icon displayed on the CRT 2 is touched by the user, thetool box function is effected. In step S601, a tool box window is openedand displayed on the CRT 2. Whether an icon representing an end isdesignated by the user on the touch panel 3 is determined in step S602.If YES in step S602, the tool box window is closed to cancel the toolbox function in step S603.

When the user touches a "help" icon in step S604, a help message(function description) associated with an operating function isdisplayed on the CRT 2 in step S605. These operations continue until theend of the help function is designated in step S606. When the end iconfor the help message is touched in step S606, the help message is erasedin step S607, and the screen of the present operating function isrestored.

In the operations in steps S608 to S610, a copy icon on the displayscreen of the CRT 2 is touched, data of the present operating functionis cut and stored, and a ready state is obtained in which the cut datacan be repeatedly used in this function or any other function. When apaste icon is designated in the operations of steps S611 to S613, thealready cut data is pasted to the present operating function (theoperating function is placed in a state enabling paste operation). Incopying, the original data is kept stored. However, in deletion, theoriginal data is cut and deleted from the original position.

Similarly, in operations in steps S614 to S616, data designated in theoperating function can be deleted. If an icon is subjected to a darkchange during copy, paste, or deletion function designation, the presentoperating function cannot be used. In this case, no operation isperformed, and the flow advances to the next step.

When an electronic calculator icon is touched in step S617, a calculatoroperation panel is displayed on the CRT 2. When a key position displayedon the touch panel 3 is touched, the display can be used in the samemanner as a normal desk-top electronic calculator. This operationcontinues until a cancel icon is input in step S620. In step 622, anicon is touched to automatically eject a microfloppy disk from theinsertion port 303 to the outside of the apparatus. In step S624, anicon is touched to erase a program in an empty area in the memory.Program erase is performed to erase an application program loaded fromthe floppy disk or hard disk to the memory and executed in the memory soas to replace it with another program in the disk. These programsinclude a morning call program, an automatic answering telephonefunction program, and an alarm timepiece function program. In addition,various programs formed by the user may be registered in a disk and canbe loaded in the empty area of the memory 10 of the apparatus and can beexecuted. It should be noted that the program erase function isdisplayed in only the main menu and can be executed.

(Description of Environment Set-Up Processing (FIG. 7))

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing set-up processing of an environment inwhich the information processing apparatus of this embodiment is used.When an environment set-up command is input, an environment set-upscreen is displayed on the CRT 2 in step S701.

Environment set-up includes setting (steps S703 and S704) of a telephonenumber of the apparatus, setting (steps S705 and S706) of a dark changetimer for setting a dark change time of the screen, setting (steps S707and S708) of key input time interval of a key repeat function forrepeating a key input upon continuous depression of a given key on thekeyboard 11, and setting (steps S711 and S712) for controlling thevolume of sound of the speaker 5 for outputting music and speechinformation.

(Description of Message Board Function (FIGS. 8 to 10))

FIGS. 8 to 10 are flow charts for explaining the message board function.

The message board is used to send a message from one operator to anotheroperator. For example, when an error occurs during facsimiletransmission/reception, an error message is signalled to the operator.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart of the message board function. As shownin steps S803 to S807, a name of an addresser and a name of an addresseeare designated by a user (operator), and a message is input to registerit in the message board. In addition, a message to an operator can beaccessed by the operator. The confirmed message can be deleted in stepsS809 and S810. Furthermore, the message can be printed at the printer 6in steps S811 and S812.

As shown in the operations of steps S813 to S816, when the message boardis in a full state, all the previous messages can be automaticallyoutput at the printer 6 in step S814. The storage area of the messageboard is cleared in step S815. The present message is then registeredand stored as new message data.

When a printed sheet is pasted on the side wall surface of theapparatus, other operators can check the message data deleted from thememory 10.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing input processing of names of addresseesin the message board function, and FIG. 10 is a flow chart of inputprocessing of addresser names.

If a list of addressers or addressees has already been registered, theuser touches this column on the touch panel (steps S901 and S1001).However, when such a list is not registered, an addressee or addressername can be input from the keyboard 11 by kana-kanji conversion in thesame manner as in the message for the message board (steps S903 andS1003).

(Description of Telephone Function (FIGS. 11A to 12B))

FIGS. 11A to 12B are flow charts for explaining the telephone function.This function is started by the manager when an incoming call isdetected or the handset 302 is picked up.

When the telephone function is effected, push buttons are displayed onthe CRT 2 (step S1101). When numerical buttons are designated or touchedon the touch panel 3 in step S1103, the flow advances to step S1106 tooutput a call signal corresponding to the designated telephone numberonto the telephone line to make a call if the handset is picked up (anOFF-hook state is set). The telephone function includes a normaltelephone function such as an ON-hook function, redialing, and a holdingtone function. The same operations as in the normal telephone set can beperformed by the touch panel 3 and the handset 302.

The telephone function also includes a telephone directory functionshown in steps S1117 and S1118. By this function, a telephone directoryis displayed, and the user touches a destination, i.e., a party to becalled, on the telephone directory on the touch panel 3, thereby makinga phone call to the desired party.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow charts for explaining environment set-up(step S77) in the telephone function of FIGS. 11A to 11C.

This environment set-up includes setting (steps S1203 and S1204) of ahooking time, setting (steps S1205 and S1206) of a holding tone melody,setting (steps S1207 and S1208) of a call tone color of a telephone set,setting (steps S1209 and S1210) of a call tone volume of the telephoneset, setting (steps S1211 and S1212) of volume of the speaker, andsetting (S1213 and S1214) of a reception mode of an auto facsimilemode).

(Description of Facsimile Transmission/Reception Function (FIGS. 13A to18))

FIGS. 13A to 18 are flow charts for explaining the facsimiletransmission/reception function in the apparatus. This function isstarted by the manager upon reception/transmission designation(including timer transmission) of the facsimile signal.

In the facsimile transmission mode, an original is read by the imagereader 7 and converted into a facsimile signal which is then transmitted(steps S1305 to S1310). A called telephone number in the transmissionmode may be input as numerical values or designated by a telephonedirectory in the same manner as in the telephone function (steps S1315and S1316).

The facsimile transmission functions include functions assigned to thenormal facsimile machine, e.g., multi-address transmission, timertransmission, "confidential" transmission, polling transmission, andsetting of a transmission mode to a standard, fine, or photographicmode.

The above functions are known to those skilled in the art, and adescription thereof is limited to that in the flow charts.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are flow charts for setting an expansion function inthe facsimile transmission function.

In the operations of FIGS. 14A and 14B, an auto redialing function(steps S1403 and S1404), a function (step S1405 and S1406) for attachinga cover filled with names of a destination and a transmission source tothe first page of the transmission original, a function (steps S1407 andS1408) of filling transmission source information at the upper portionof each page, and a report function (steps S1409 and S1410) can beeffected.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of processing for selecting multi-addressmembers in the multi-address transmission mode, FIG. 16 is a flow chartof pre-set time transmission (timer transmission), and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of polling transmission. These operations are known to thoseskilled in the art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of reception processing of the facsimile signal.When a facsimile signal is received, whether a line printer of theprinter 6 is used is determined in step S1801. If NO in step S1801, afacsimile reception image is printed on rolled heat-sensitive paper insteps S1802 to S1805. When a reception error is detected in step S1805,generation of the facsimile reception error is recorded on the messageboard in step S1806.

When use of the line printer by another program is detected in stepS1801, facsimile reception data is stored in a file in a disk of theexternal memory 12 in steps S1807 to S1809. When reception is completed,the flow advances to step S1810. In this step, reception is recorded onthe message board. The data written on the message board is displayed atthe upper right corner on the CRT screen. If a reception error isdetected in step S1809, the flow advances to step S1806, and an errormessage is recorded on the message board.

Since this facsimile function is operated in a background mode, documentinformation can be input by the wordprocessor function during receptionof the facsimile signal.

(Description of Wordprocessor Function)

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic flow charts of the wordprocessorfunction. This function program is started upon designation in main menuon the touch panel 3.

In steps S1903 and 1904, a character code input from the keyboard isconverted by kana-kanji conversion to generate a sentence including bothkana and kanji characters. In steps S1905 and S1906, initializationprior to character string inputs is performed. That is, a display modeof an edit screen at the time of document inputs and an input mode areinitially set. In steps S1907 and S1908, the type of character isselected, and a range of character string on the edit screen isdesignated to change the type of character of the character stringwithin the designated range.

When an edit button display is touched in steps S1909 and S1910, editingsuch as leftward shift, rightward shift, or centering is executed. Insteps S1911 and S1912, storage and read access of the documentinformation are performed. In steps S1913 and S1914, a table and apicture are formed. In steps S1915 and S1916, a format is changed andprinting is performed.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic flow charts of editing processing instep S1910 in FIG. 19A.

In FIGS. 20A and 20B, editing operation, i.e., leftward shift, rightwardshift, centering, tab-set, page feed, character search, all-sentencedelete operations of designated lines are performed.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart for table formation and picture drawingprocessing in step S1914 (FIG. 19B), FIGS. 22A to 22C are flow charts oftable formation processing, and FIG. 23 is a schematic flow chart ofpicture drawing processing.

When table formation processing in FIGS. 22A to 22C is started, a tableof 8 rows and 3 columns is tentatively displayed on the screen, and thecell cursor is moved to a position of the first row and the first column(step S2201). Thereafter, table data are generated (steps S2207 toS2220) in accordance with a change in table position, a character ornumeral input to a position designated by the cell cursor, a change inthe type of character of each cell, a change in frame, a change in thetype of line of the frame, a change in line pitch, and the like.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of picture drawing processing. The type of lineof a picture, a figure (graphic data), a graphic pattern within a figureare selected. The position, size, shape, and the like of the figure aredesignated on the touch panel 3 or by a picture drawing cursor. Inaddition, expansion or reduction of the designated figure can beperformed.

FIGS. 24A to 24C are schematic flow charts of format setting andprinting processing in step S1916 of FIG. 19B.

A page for format setting is designated. A sheet size, a printingposition, and the number of characters/lines are set. In addition, avertical or horizontal layout format and the like are input. A layoutscreen is changed by the above pieces of information. Partial printingand printing with pages can also be designated.

Since the printer 6 includes two printers as a main feature of theapparatus of this embodiment, these two printers can be selectivelyused. The printing function of the information processing apparatus ofthis embodiment allows printing at another facsimile machine through atelephone line, and a document input while printing is performed onnormal paper at the thermal transfer printer.

(Description of Touch Panel Cleaning Function (FIG. 25 ))

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing processing of a cleaning mode of thetouch panel 3. This function is effected upon designation in the mainmenu.

Since the touch panel 3 is touched by a hand of an operator,fingerprints and the like are attached to the surface of the touch panel3 to contaminate the surface. When an operator wipes the surface of thetouch panel 3 with a cloth, a function input is made by a pressureacting on the touch panel 3 against the will of the operator. In orderto prevent such an erroneous input in the information processingapparatus of this embodiment, when a cleaning mode is designated, anicon of a doll is displayed on the screen and is moved on the screen.Inputs on the touch panel 3 except for this icon are neglected, andtherefore, an erroneous input during cleaning of the touch panel 3 canbe prevented.

When the cleaning mode is designated in FIG. 25, an initial screen fromwhich the function menu is entirely erased is displayed (step S1501).The icon of a doll is displayed on the screen and is slightly moved onthe screen in one direction (step S1502). When the icon is touched bythe operator, it is stopped for one second (step S2504). When the iconis touched again, the cleaning mode is ended (step S2506). However, whenthe icon is touched once and another position on the screen is touchedby the operator (step S2507), the icon is moved to this position and isdisplayed (step S2508). In this manner, the cleaning mode is not endedand the icon continues to be moved on the screen until an icon positionis consecutively touched twice.

(Description of Program Control Function (FIG. 26))

FIG. 26 is a schematic flow chart of a program control function.

Programs stored in the microfloppy disk or the hard disk which serves asthe external memory 12 are read out or data in the memory 10 is deleted.Menu icons representing programs stored in the disk are displayed (stepS2601). When one of the icons is touched on the touch panel 3 by theoperator (step S2604), whether an empty area enough to store thedesignated program is available in the memory 10 is checked in stepS2605. If YES in step S2605, this program is read out from the disk andloaded in the empty area (step S2606). If a sufficient empty area is notavailable in the memory 10, a shortage of a memory area is displayed.

(Description of Sheet Control Function (FIGS. 27A and 27B))

FIGS. 27A and 27B are schematic flow charts of a sheet control functionfor controlling various data stored in the hard disk and the microfloppydisk.

A large number of data stored in the disk are grouped into severalholders which are then displayed. The user designates one holder todisplay, copy, move, or delete all data contained in this holder. Theholder represents a holder (bundle) of documents stored in a cabinet.The holder contains sheets of, e.g., a telephone directory, music data,automatic answering telephone tapes and document data such as a businesstrip report.

(Description of Music Editor Function (FIGS. 28A to 28D))

FIGS. 28A to 28D are schematic flow charts of a music editor function asone of the application programs.

This function is effected when this program is loaded in the RAM area ofthe memory 10 and execution of this program is designated in the mainmenu. When the program runs, the screen is changed into an edit screenof the music editor. On this screen, the user designates a musicalperformance channel, a key-signature, a time, a tempo, a rhythm, avolume, a type of musical instrument, and a key (steps S2803 to S2815).When a displayed keyboard is touched, a corresponding note having apredetermined pitch is input in a music sheet (steps S2817 to S2822).

When notes are completely input and the playing icon is touched, amelody consisting of the input notes is played with a tone color of thedesignated musical instrument (steps S2836 to S2841). This musicinformation can be stored, and the stored music information may be readout and reproduced (steps S2849 and S2850).

The generated musical information can be cut out by the tool boxfunction. A function of interest is called and the cut musicalinformation can be pasted to the function. For example, the musicalinformation can be used as music for the automatic answering telephoneand a music as a holding tone of the telephone set. In this case, thetool box icon is touched to cut out note information upon designation ofa cut range with a cut switch, a paste switch, or the like, and afunction for utilizing the cut note information is started andregistered (steps S2851 to S2859).

(Description of Alarm Function (FIGS. 29A and 29B))

FIGS. 29A and 29B are flow charts showing alarm function set-upprocessing.

In this processing, an alarm time, an output tone, and output image dataare set. If the music data generated by the music editor is cut out, itis registered as a user tone for alarming. If image data is cut by animage editor (to be described in detail later), it is defined as a userimage for alarming.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing alarming processing for generating analarm when a pre-set alarm time has elapsed.

When a pre-set time has elapsed, an introduction is output for one totwo seconds, and an operating application program runs for about twoseconds (step S3001 to S3005). Background music (BGM) is started andcomment and image data which are input by the user are displayed untilan end instruction is input, sound generation is terminated, or anotherevent is generated (steps S3006 to S3009).

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing processing of a plurality of reservedfunctions executed when pre-set times have elapsed.

First, a morning call function is checked in step S3101. If the morningcall function is set, it is executed in step S3102. An alarm function isthen checked in step S3103. If the alarm function is set, it is executedin step S3104. Whether facsimile timer transmission is reserved ischecked in step S3105. If YES in step S3105, facsimile transmission isperformed in step S3106. When the operations in steps S3101, S3104, andS3106 are completed, the finished operations are deleted from thereservation list in step S3107. At the same time, whether thereservation list is empty is determined in step S3108. The aboveoperations are repeated until the reservation list becomes empty.

(Description of User Dictionary Function (FIGS. 32A to 32D))

FIGS. 32A to 32D are schematic flow charts of a user dictionary and anexternal character font function.

In the operations of FIGS. 32A to 32D, registration, search, addition,and deletion of a word by a user can be performed (steps S3203 toS3216), and registration and deletion of the external character font andaddition and deletion of the user dictionary can be performed (stepsS3219 to S3239).

(Description of Morning Call Function (FIGS. 33A to 340))

FIGS. 33A and 33B are schematic flow charts of a morning call set-upfunction.

When this function is effected, a morning call screen is displayed, anda call message is loaded. The recording (REC) switch is touched, thehandset is picked up, and the play switch is touched. Under theseconditions, recording of speech or the like is recorded from thehandset. This recording can be performed for a maximum of 15 seconds.The recorded message or the like is cut as a call message by a pastefunction of the tool box. This call message is used as a morning callmessage. A morning call day and a telephone number of a party to becalled are input, thereby completing setting of the morning callfunction.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing an operation of the morning callfunction.

When a pre-set time has elapsed and the telephone line is not busy, acall is made for a call destination to transmit a message. At this time,when the telephone line is kept busy after a lapse of 30 minutes, orwhen the called party does not answer the phone after a lapse of 30seconds, this is recorded on the message board and is displayed at theupper right corner of the CRT screen.

(Description of Telephone Directory Function (FIGS. 35 to 36C))

FIG. 35 is a schematic flow chart of a telephone directory function.

When a telephone directory screen is displayed and an index switch istouched, data (e.g., name) starting with a touched character isdisplayed. When each data is touched, its detailed data such as a name,a telephone number, a facsimile number, and a comment are displayed.

FIGS. 36A to 36C are flow charts of a function switch and tool boxfunctions in the telephone directory function.

A telephone directory on a sheet can be loaded in a memory, and thetelephone directory in the memory can be corrected, deleted, or storedin the sheet.

(Image Editor Function (FIGS. 37A to 37C))

FIGS. 37A to 37C are flow charts showing general processing of an imageeditor function.

A character can be input in a mode selected by touching a characterswitch, and a flourish character can be input. At the same time, agraphic image can be input by a graphic switch. In addition, image datacan be edited, moved, copied, and expanded/reduced. Image data can beread by an image scanner, and printing upon touching of a printingswitching can be performed.

(Description of Automatic Answering Telephone Function (FIGS. 38 to46B))

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram showing a main part of an apparatuswhich causes a tape recorder to record speech and serves as an automaticanswering telephone set. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denotethe same part in FIG. 38, and a detailed description thereof will beomitted.

This apparatus includes a speech data expander 15 for expanding speechdata in a memory 10 and a speech data compresser 16 for compressingspeech information input from a microphone 17 and a handset 321 of thetelephone set. The speech information is compressed and converted into adigital signal. The digital signal is stored in the memory 10 and aholder 14 of an external memory 12.

The memory 10 includes a program ROM 10a for storing a system program, amanager program, and other application programs, a ROM 10b for storing acharacter front and a dictionary, and a RAM 10c, serving as a workingarea of a CPU 1, for storing application programs, document information,and speech information which are loaded from the external memory 12. TheRAM 11c includes a speech data area 10d for storing digital speech dataand a video RAM for displaying data on a CRT 2.

The external memory 12 comprises a microfloppy disk or a hard disk. Theexternal memory 12 includes a holder 14 for storing document informationand speech information. User application programs are stored in theexternal memory 12.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a relationship between the holder 14 andother function programs.

The holder 14 can be accessed by each of a plurality of functions. Aplurality of data sheets are included in one holder. Each data sheetincludes music data, image data, speech data recorded by a tape recorderfunction (to be described later), various document data, and other datasuch as a telephone directory.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are flow charts showing general processing of the taperecorder function of this embodiment.

This function program is normally stored in a floppy disk serving as theexternal memory 12 and is loaded in an empty area of the memory 10 bythe user. A tape recorder function icon in the main menu is touched on atouch panel 3 to start the tape recorder function.

When this program runs, a tape recorder in which a cassette tape is notloaded is displayed on the screen of the CRT 2 in step S4001. In stepS4002, a cassette tape is displayed outside the tape recorder (FIG. 43).In step S4004, when the cassette displayed outside the tape recordershown in FIG. 43 is touched on the touch panel 3, a display is performedin step S4005 such that a cassette tape is set in the recorder (FIG.44). At the same time, speech data recorded in a virtual cassette tapeis read out from a data sheet of the holder 14 and is stored in a speechdata area 121 of the memory 10.

FIG. 45 shows a state in which a cassette tape is set in the cassetterecorder.

In step S4006, when a recording key (REC) of the recorder is touched instep S4006, the recording mode is set. The flow advances to step S4007to start recording. This recording operation is performed such thatspeech data input from the microphone 17 or the like is compressed bythe speech data compressor 16 into digital data which is then stored inthe memory 10. When the play key (PLAY) is touched in step S4008, thetape is reproduced in step S4009. In practice, the digital speed datacompressed in the speech data area 10d in the memory 10 is expanded bythe speech data expander 15 and is reproduced.

When a fast forward key (SKIP) is depressed in step S4010 and a rewindkey (SKIP) is depressed in step S4012, fast forwarding and rewinding areperformed in steps S4011 and S4013, respectively.

When an erase key (ERASE) is touched in step S4014, speech data iserased from the speech data area 11d of the memory 10 and the externalmemory 12. When a stop key (STOP) is touched in step S4016, recording,reproduction, fast forwarding, or rewinding is stopped in step S4017.When an eject key (EJECT) or the cassette tape in the recorder istouched in step S4018, the cassette tape is ejected from the taperecorder in step S4019, and the speech data is written from the memory10 to the holder 14 of the external memory 12.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart of cassette tape setting processing in stepS4005 of FIG. 40A.

The speech data in the speech data file of the holder is stored in thespeech data area 11d of the memory 10 in step S4101. In step S4104, thecassette outside the cassette recorder is moved on the screen of the CRT2 from a state of FIG. 43 by 5 bits in a cassette loading direction.After a lapse of about 5/100 seconds in step S4105, the flow returns tostep S4102 again to determine whether the cassette tape is moved to theloading position of the tape recorder. When the cassette tape is movedin the tape loading direction and is perfectly loaded, the flow advancesto step S4103. A cassette tape loading tone is generated to end theprocessing.

The cassette tape is loaded in the same manner as in an actual cassetterecorder.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing processing of display of cassette taperotation. When the cassette tape is reproduced or recorded in stepS4201, the flow advances to step S4202. The reel shaft of the cassettetape is displayed while being rotated through about 30° clockwise. Aftera lapse of 0.1 second, the flow returns to step S4201. During recordingor reproduction, the reel shaft of the cassette tape is displayed in arotated state.

This function can be read and effected by, e.g., the automatic answeringtelephone function and the morning call function.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are flow charts showing an operation of the automaticanswering telephone set-up function. An application of the tape recorderfunction will be described on the basis of the above function.

When the automatic answering telephone function is designated by thetouch panel 3 from the main menu, an automatic answering telephoneset-up function screen or an automatic answering telephone applicationprogram screen is displayed in step S4601, as shown in FIG. 43.Recording is started when the recording (REC) switch is touched in stepS4603, the handset of the telephone set is picked up in step S4604, andthe PLAY key is touched. Recording continues for a maximum of 15 secondsuntil the stop key (STOP) is touched (steps S4606 to 4613).

When the play key (PLAY) is touched in step S4614, the flow advances tostep S4615 to determine whether a response cassette tape is set. If YESin step S4615, the response message is reproduced in step S4616. When anerase key (ERASE) is touched in step S4617, the response message iserased in steps S4618 and S4619 in the same manner as described above.

Steps S4620 to S4623 are executed to input a 4-bit ID number for a keytelephone set. In steps S4624 and S4625, presence/absence switching isperformed to effect the automatic answering telephone function.

When an incoming message cassette tape outside the apparatus, as shownin FIG. 43, is touched in step S4626, the incoming message tape isloaded in the tape recorder in step S4627, and an incoming message canbe recorded. When the incoming message recording cassette tape loaded inthe tape recorder, as shown in FIG. 45, is touched in step S4628, thetape is ejected from the tape recorder in step S4629, as shown in FIG.44.

In steps S4630 to S4642, reproduction (play), rewinding (REWIND), fastforwarding (FORWARD), erasure (ERASE) and the like of the incomingmessage recording tape loaded in the tape recorder are performed.

In step S4643, when icons 70 and 71 of the tool box are touched in stepS4643 to read out a tool box function, the flow advances to step S4644to check if the cut function is selected. When cutting is performed, amessage is cut in step S4645, and the cut message is stored in thememory 10. This cut message can be accessed and used by anotherfunction. When paste is designated in step S4646, for example, aresponse message such as music data which has been cut out by anotherfunction can be stored in the holder 14 and can be used as automaticanswering telephone response music.

According to this embodiment as described above, a digital recordingfunction of speech or the like is provided. Images of actual devicessuch as a cassette tape recorder and a cassette are displayed, and thedisplayed keys and the cassette tape are touched to designate inputs onthe screen, thereby easily recording information.

FIG. 47 is a schematic flow chart of a recording function of an incomingmessage in the automatic answering telephone.

When a call excluding facsimile communication is made, the telephone setis connected to the telephone line (steps S4701 and S4702), and therecorded response message is reproduced onto the telephone line (stepS4703). A beep tone is generated and then an incoming message isrecorded (steps S4704 and S4705). When a message is recorded within 15seconds, recording is stopped and a beep tone is output again onto thetelephone line. The telephone set is disconnected from the telephoneline, and processing is ended (steps S4706 to S4709).

FIGS. 48A and 48B are schematic flow charts of push button (PD)"receive" operation in the automatic answering telephone. In this case,a call is made from an external key telephone set to generate a tonesignal, thereby designating erasure of the message and a change inresponse mode in the apparatus.

(Description Associated with Respective Functions (FIG. 49))

FIG. 49 is a chart showing correspondences of functions in therespective modes, and more specifically, a correspondence between dataformed by a given function and other functions.

Printing on the heat-sensitive roll paper at the line printer (of theprinter 6) is performed by a facsimile mode, an electronic calculator,or a message function. Printing on normal paper at the thermal transferprinter is performed in the wordprocessor mode. A timepiece function 491is used in a facsimile function, a morning call function, an alarmfunction, a message function, a schedule function, and the like. Animage editor function 492 by the image reader 7 is used in awordprocessor mode, a facsimile function, and an alarm function. Musicinformation (including speech data generated by a tape recorder function494) is stored as digital information in the memory and can be used as aholding tone of a telephone set, music of the automatic answeringtelephone, morning call music, a message tone, an alarm tone, and thelike.

A communication function 495 is used as a facsimile function and atelephone function (including an automatic answering telephone and amorning call). A kanji processing function 496 is used as awordprocessing function, an alarm-function, a message function, and aschedule function.

The multifunctional information processing apparatus as described abovein detail has a plurality of independent functions which can beselectively effected. In addition, data generated by a given functioncan be used for other functions. Therefore, the data can be commonlyused.

In the multifunctional information processing apparatus according to thepresent invention, when a function having a higher priority such as atelephone call is started during execution of a given function, thefunction having a higher priority can be automatically effected. In thiscase, an operating state of the previous program and various data can bepreserved. Upon completion of the function having the higher priority,the previous program is restored from the interrupt timing thereof,thereby providing good operability.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus, connected toa printing apparatus and an external apparatus, which has a plurality offunctions independent of each other and selectively executes theplurality of functions, said apparatus comprising:execution means forexecuting any of the plurality of functions; determination means fordetermining whether a request for output to the printing apparatus hasbeen entered from the external apparatus; reception means for receivinginformation from the external apparatus; print control means forcontrolling output of the information received by said reception meansto the printing apparatus; and control means for, in the event that saiddetermination means determines that the request has been entered fromthe external apparatus during execution of a desired one of theplurality of functions by said execution means, controlling (a) outputof information obtained by execution of the desired function and (b)storage of the information received by said reception means such thatthe obtained information is continuously outputted to the printingapparatus and the received information is stored in a memory, if theobtained information is being outputted to the printing apparatus whenthe determination is made by said determination means, and controllingsaid print control means to output the received information to theprinting apparatus, if the obtained information is not being outputtedto the printing apparatus when the determination is made by saiddetermination means.
 2. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an indicationthat the information received by said reception means is stored in thememory.
 3. An information processing apparatus, connected to a printingapparatus and an external apparatus, which has a plurality of functionsindependent of each other and selectively executes the plurality offunctions, said apparatus comprising:execution means for executing anyof the plurality of functions; determination means for determiningwhether a request for output to the printing apparatus has been enteredfrom the external apparatus; reception means for receiving informationfrom the external apparatus; print control means for controlling outputof the information received by said reception means to the printingapparatus; and control means for, in the event that said determinationmeans determines that the request has been entered from the externalapparatus during execution of a desired one of the plurality offunctions by said execution means, controlling (a) output of informationobtained by execution of the desired function and (b) storage of theinformation received by said reception means such that the obtainedinformation is continuously outputted to the printing apparatus and thereceived information is stored in a memory, if the obtained informationis being outputted to the printing apparatus when the determination ismade by said determination means.
 4. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 3, further comprising display means for displaying anindication that the information received by said reception means isstored in the memory.
 5. A method carried out in an informationprocessing apparatus, connected to a printing apparatus and an externalapparatus, which has a plurality of functions independent of each otherand selectively executes the plurality of functions, said methodcomprising the steps of:executing any of the plurality of functions;determining whether a request for output to the printing apparatus hasbeen entered from the external apparatus; receiving information from theexternal apparatus; controlling output of the received information tothe printing apparatus; and in the event that said determining stepdetermines that the request has been entered from the external apparatusduring execution of a desired one of the plurality of functions in saidexecuting step, controlling (a) output of information obtained byexecution of the desired function and (b) storage of the informationreceived in said receiving step such that the obtained information iscontinuously outputted to the printing apparatus and the receivedinformation is stored in a memory, if the obtained information is beingoutputted to the printing apparatus when the determination is made insaid determining step, and controlling said first control step to outputthe received information to the printing apparatus, if the obtainedinformation is not being outputted to the printing apparatus when thedetermination is made in said determining step.
 6. A method according toclaim 5, further comprising the step of displaying an indication thatthe information received in said receiving step is stored in the memory.7. A method carried out in an information processing apparatus,connected to a printing apparatus and an external apparatus, which has aplurality of functions independent of each other and selectivelyexecutes the plurality of functions, said method comprising the stepsof:executing any of the plurality of functions; determining whether arequest for output to the printing apparatus has been entered from theexternal apparatus; receiving information from the external apparatus;controlling output of the received information to the printingapparatus; and in the event that said determining step determines thatthe request has been entered from the external apparatus duringexecution of a desired one of the plurality of functions in saidexecuting step, controlling (a) output of information obtained byexecution of the desired function and (b) storage of the informationreceived in said receiving step such that the obtained information iscontinuously outputted to the printing apparatus and the receivedinformation is stored in a memory, if the obtained information is beingoutputted to the printing apparatus when the determination is made insaid determining step.
 8. A memory medium for storing a program for amethod carried out in an information processing apparatus, connected toa printing apparatus and an external apparatus, which has a plurality offunctions independent of each other and selectively executes theplurality of functions, said program comprising the steps of:executingany of the plurality of functions; determining whether a request foroutput to the printing apparatus has been entered from the externalapparatus; receiving information from the external apparatus;controlling output of the received information to the printingapparatus; and in the event that said determining step determines thatthe request has been entered from the external apparatus duringexecution of a desired one of the plurality of functions in saidexecuting step, controlling (a) output of information obtained byexecution of the desired function and (b) storage of the informationreceived in said receiving step such that the obtained information iscontinuously outputted to the printing apparatus and the receivedinformation is stored in a memory, if the obtained information is beingoutputted to the printing apparatus when the determination is made insaid determining step.